As a cardiologist who has treated a heart attack for more than 20 years, I have seen how eating habits Formed in childhood can often perform ground functions for chronic disease in adulthood.
My wife and I have three daughters, who are now in high school. I know how difficult it can be during the early years. I remember to stock on dinosaur -shaped chicken nuggets, and whatever was quick, easy and attractive, on. This is a platform that passes through all of us, but I have seen that these foods can be damaged.
I want them to live a long, healthy life, so now we are more deliberate about what we put on the table. Here are five toxic foods that I do not feed my children – and what we eat instead.
1. Microwave popcorn
Yes, it’s hurry. But many stores-finished microwave popcorn brands contain chemicals that worry me, especially as a heart doctor.
Bags are often rolled with copy- and polyphloralocill substances (PFAs), or toxic “chemicals” forever. Is related to health issuesImmune system with suppression and birth defects. In addition, the taste of butter can contain compounds that can be Harmful to lungs,
What to eat instead: Make a popcorn from the air at home and drip it with real melted butter or olive oil.
2. Delicious yogurt
Taste yogrt, especially children marketing, often looks healthy thanks to their high protein claims. But look closely at the label and you will see that they are often filled with added sugars and artificial colors.
Worse than this, some children serving for some children can be very low that they finish two or three, multiplying sugar loads.
What to eat instead: We serve plain Greek yogurt with a vortex of local honey and fresh berries. It is just delicious and very healthy.
3. Processed meat
I am talking about Bacon, Daily Lunch Meet, Hot Dog – General Lunchbox. These foods are often loaded with sodium, preservatives and nitrates venture Heart disease and cancer.
As a cardiologist, I am nervous about what these compounds can do at the cellular level. They interfere with important compounds such as nitric oxides, which control blood pressure and blood vessel health. Another concern is that they can “spoil a complex process called”Endothelial function,“This is more likely for cholesterol buildup in our arteries.
Simply put, these foods contribute to many diseases against whom I have spent my career.
What to eat instead: In our house, we go for unnecessary proteins such as lean, grilled chicken and grass -filled beef. We also eat plant -based proteins like lentils, chickpeas and quinoa.
4. Sugar grains and drinks
When I was younger, my friend Mark loved to finish because I was a “lucky” child who always had a sugar grain in the pantry. If I could go back on time, I would throw all this – and when we are on it, soda – in dustbin.
As Metabolic specialist Dr. Robert LustigThe average baby’s daily breakfast has more sugar than their small body that can process in three days! These children are installed for blood sugar crash in about an hour in their school day. If we can expect them to know whether their body cannot be focused on?
What to eat instead: With our daughters, we flipped the script. Breakfast is a quick smoothie with fruits, eggs with vegetables, or healthy fats and ton fibers. They sometimes drink aromatic water with natural fruits. Soda or fancy bottled juice are rare behavior.
5. Deep fried foods
Go to the county fair, and “deep fried” is the process for almost anything: chicken, cheese and even butter rods.
One of many problems with deep fried foods is that they are fried in the industrial oils reused in high heat. These oils do not just lack nutritional value – they are saturated otherwise with harmful compounds such as healthy foods Acrylamides And advanced glycation end products (Age), which fuel inflammation.
Even scary: These foods train our children’s taste buds to crave that deep fried crunch.
What to eat instead: We still prefer crispy food in our house – we make it differently. We use air fryers to make roasted vegi, sweet potato fries and veggie chips. We get our crunch without an accident!
Eating for a long, healthy life
You do not need to eat completely completely. And of course, consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider, before making any harsh changes in your child’s diet.
It is really about making Clever option Little, day -to -day. Be aware of the seed oils hidden in your foods and try to minimize them. Make Breakfast one win With good fat, protein and good carbs. It also helps to include your children in the kitchen.
Most of the lead, for example. Children are always seeing, and they matter more than what you say.
Dr. Sanjay BhojrajMD is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and certified functional medicine doctor. He is a pioneer at the intersection of Prison Cardiology and Lifestyle Medicine, he is the founder Well 12A wellness program helps individuals to reverse chronic disease through nourishment, breath and genomic insight. Dr. Bhojraj is also a national teacher for Functional medical instituteFollow it Instagram,
Are you ready to buy a house? Take smart by CNBC, take It’s new online course How to buy your first houseExpert instructors will help you weigh the cost of renting, buy, prepare financially, and confidently navigate every stage of this process – from the original things to closure the deal. Sign up today And use the coupon code for an introductory discount of 30% from $ 97 (+taxes and fees) via July 15, 2025.